Berkeley co-ops crack down on drugs

Nine months after a UC Berkeley student overdosed on drugs, the university's 20 student-run cooperative houses are making it easier for residents to report substance abuse among their peers.

This month the Berkeley Student Cooperative, whose 1,250 members are largely UC Berkeley students, adopted new procedures to review whether a resident has a drug or alcohol problem. The new rules will streamline that review once a resident has reported a problem.

The changes follow the March overdose of John Gibson, a junior, who was left in a coma after the incident at Cloyne Court, a 115-resident co-op on Ridge Road.

Gibson's family criticized the co-op organization for what they said was a secretive environment that discouraged reporting substance abuse.

"I think that the incident and the reaction really prompted us to re-examine our procedures," said Jan Stokley, the cooperative group's executive director. "This will give people clear tools for helping their friends."

Gibson's family in San Diego could not be reached for comment Tuesday. A number listed for the family was connected to a fax machine.

Stokley disputed the notion that residents were discouraged from reporting drug abuse, but said the organization wanted to make the process as easy as possible. Co-ops already refer drug and alcohol abusers to the university health center, she said.

Student leaders are on winter break and could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

Major universities are always dealing with drug problems, Stokley said, noting this month's arrests of Columbia University students accused of dealing drugs from dorm rooms and fraternity houses. Co-ops are no more susceptible than any other campus housing, she said.

"I really have to deny the notion that it's widespread," she said. "My daughter lives in a co-op, and I know what the culture is like."